MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2970, 3 December 1925, Page 2

MANAWATU RABBIT BOARD.

INSPECTION OF TREE PLANTING CAMP.

Yesterday Messrs B. J. Gower (chairman), W. E. Barber, Boswell, J. F. AleKelvie, I*’. Raikes, R. Rangiheuea ((secretary) and D. R. Barron (inspector) of the Manawatu Rabbit Board paid a visit of inspection to the State Forestry Department tree planting camp at Tangimoana for the purpose of inspecting the sand dune area and the steps taken by the - Department for the eradication of rabbits.

The party arrived at the camp at 11 a.m., where they were met by Mr. R. A. Reid, who is in charge of the camp. After dinner Air. Reid conducted the members over the nursery aud a very interesting time was spent examining the different experimental plots and crops. The Department has fenced in the whole of the area, 3000 acres, with rabbit netting aud exterminated the rabbits in the enclosure. Since doing so the country has been free of the pest and during the whole of the inspection yesterday not one rabbit was seen. Mr. Reid discussed the expenses insured in carrying out this work with the Board members aud the value of the scheme. “The young trees suffered from the ravages of rabbits a great deal prior to these steps being taken,” said Air. Reid, “but now our greatest enemy are the birds who play havoc with the seedlings.” An inspection wus then made of Tangimoana settlement itself and the first shelter belt planted by the Department in 1916. These trees are now of considerable height and are already affording splendid shelter.

On the return journey the party, was invited by Air. McKelvie to inspect his property which adjoins the State Forestry camp. Afternoon tea was provided for the visitors and a general inspection made of the beautiful grounds attached to the homestead.

It is worthy of note that although the Board members were out the whole day and during that time covered a great portion of the Board’s area, scarcely a rabbit was seen and this in itself speaks volunies for the operation of the Board as some of the areas visited were a few years, ago overrun with the pest.